Miranda Kerr's 'Virgin' Pride

Published February 23, 2009

| Newscorp Australian Papers

The latest person who wants to hitch a ride on the gossamer coat-tails of supermodel Miranda Kerr is none other than Virgin boss, Sir Richard Branson.

The hellraising aviation bigwig, who arrives in Australia Monday tomorrow in preparation for Friday's inaugural flight of the VAustralia service from Sydney to Los Angeles, has the Victoria's Secret model in his sights. He wants to name one of the seven aircraft in the VAustralia fleet after her.

PHOTOS: Miranda and the Victoria's Secret models strut their stuff in their latest fashion show.

A VAustralia spokesman confirmed that Kerr is being considered as the airline's answer to Nancy Bird Walton - the late Australian aviatrix after whom the Qantas 380 was named.

"The first VAustralia aircraft is the Didgeree Blue,'' the spokesman said.

"The aircraft are usually female in persona and will likely be named after inspiring contemporary women, who match the brand personality for VAustralia.''

Just how inspirational Kerr - the yoga-practising clothes horse and partner of Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom - has been to the women of Australia, remains to be seen.

And then there is the little problem of VAustralia cashing in on the marketing potential of Kerr, who is closely aligned to Victoria's Secret.

Calls to Kerr's reps went unanswered on Friday.

However, Kerr is tentatively booked on the inaugural flight, along with Sir Richard and local identities, including Marcia Hines and Catriona Rowntree.

URL

http://www.foxnews.comhttp://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2009/02/23/miranda-kerrs-virgin-pride